Porto is a busy industrial and commercial centre. The city itself isn't very populous (about 300,000 inhabitants), but the Porto metropolitan area (Greater Porto) has some 2,500,000 inhabitants in a 50km radius, with cities like Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia, and Gondomar.

The city was built along the hills overlooking the Douro river estuary, and its historical center was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1996. It has been continuously inhabited since at least the 4th Century, when the Romans referred to it as Portus Calle

Porto has a semi-Mediterranean climate, although it's strongly affected by the Atlantic ocean, which makes it cooler than other cities with this climate. However, temperatures can rise as high as 40ºC in August during occasional heat waves. Winters are mild and humid, with occasional cold nights where temperatures can drop below 0ºC.

Porto has always been a mercantile city, and this is evident in the style of the buildings lining the Avenida dos Aliados, the core of the downtown area. The center of town, unlike other major Portuguese cities, which tend towards the baroque, is granite and monumental. Residents of Porto are known as Tripeiros (tripe eaters) due to the fact that the city went without meat in order to provision the capital and the fleet that departed to Ceuta in 1415, had to subsist on tripe soup, still a speciality of the city.

Citizens of Porto, while definitely Portuguese, hold themselves apart culturally from the rest of the country, as is expressed in the often heard phrase "o Porto é uma nação" (Porto is a nation). Outsiders often consider Porto to be more crass and mercantile than the rest of the country, and the inhabitants to be somewhat lacking in social graces. This is likely due to the fact that the city has historically been dominated by Portuguese bourgeoisie and English trading factions rather than the nobility. Tripeiros of course, disagree, regarding themselves (with some justification) as being the economic heart of the nation. As the saying goes, "Porto works, Braga Prays, Coimbra studies, and Lisbon gets the money."

The city is officially styled "a muito nobre, sempre leal e invicta cidade do Porto" (the very noble, always faithful, and invincible city of Porto). This is usually shortened to "a Cidade Invicta" (the invincible city) a title won because of Porto's resistance to the "Cerco do Porto" (Porto's Siege) during the 1832-34 civil war.

The city is quite varied architecturally, with medieval as well as modern living side by side. Porto's geography is hard on the feet, but pleasant to the eye. The city is extremely hilly, with many buildings built into a cliff face that overlooks the river. Stairs cut into the stone run up and down the cliff face and offer a laborious but rewarding walking tour. Across the river from Porto proper, in the suburb of Gaia, are located the warehouses of notable companies dealing with Port Wine, such as Cálem, Fonseca, Sandemans, Kopke, and others.

Whilst the local attitude is friendly, to outsiders it is worth noting that locals can respond literally to questions, which may seem slightly off-putting to the uninitiated. An example of this would be to ask in a bar if they have a menu (for food) and to receive a straight 'no' as a response; it's after further questions that one can find out that the establishment doesn't sell food - such a response is not considered rude, it is merely direct and literal.

If you speak in Spanish to a local, you will be largely understood and as a rule they will freely converse with you, but from time to time, more so with the older generation, you may be politely reminded that you are in Portugal and the native language is Portuguese.

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, (IATA: OPO), Pedras Rubras, Maia +351 229 432 400, . Also known as Aeroporto do Porto or Aeroporto de Pedras Rubras this is the third busiest airport in the country and is about 15km from the city centre. This airport has been awarded since 2006 as one of the best airports in Europe and one of the best in world in its category, it offers really good conditions to all of the passengers since it has been remodelled in 2004 at the same time that the EURO 2004 was organized in Portugal. Just outside of the airport is the AeroBus which for €6 (2014) takes you to Praça da Liberdade (city centre) or will drop you off at the Pousada da Juventude. A similar taxi trip will cost €20.

The Metro line connects the Airport to the city centre, offering a fast and peaceful ride into the heart of the city, for €1.80 + €0.50 for the rechargeable ticket (type Z4). You can buy 24 hours pass for Metro and buses for €6.20 (Z4 - includes the airport). To reach the city centre, exit at Trindade or Bolhão stations. Casa da Música is also a popular stop, but a bit removed from the city centre. Use it to visit Casa da Música building or if your hostels is in the Boavista area.
At night, after 01:00, the only regular connection is an hourly bus coming from Av. dos Aliados (line 3M) - using a taxi or spending a night at the airport are the only other possibility.

The city is served by two major train stations, the "São Bento" (Saint Benedict) station, and the "Campanhã" station. Trains from and to Madrid and Paris are regular, other non-domestic destinations vary according to demand and time of year. Domestic trains are very frequent and usually on time. Be careful on the train from Madrid. On at least one route, the computer systems will say you need to change trains at Guillarei in northern Spain. However, Guillarei has stopped trains through Portugal since 2004. Instead, you will need to transfer to a station named Tui which is a few miles from Guillarei. The computer system hasn't been updated even though this change occurred in 2004 for some reason. You can go into Guillarei but you will need to take a taxi (cost €5) to Tui to connect. Sao Bento station is right in the city centre.

Coming from Galicia, there are two CP trains daily from Vigo, one in the morning and one in the evening. One can only buy tickets from Vigo to the border (€13.90), and another ticket at Tui towards Porto (€11.10). (actually, if you go through the spanish RENFE site (http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/viajes_internacionales/vigo_porto.html, you can buy tickets from Vigo all the way to Porto (Oporto in spanish).

The city is served by five major highways: A1, which connects Porto to Lisbon, A29 which connects Porto to Aveiro, A3 connects Porto to Braga, A28 connects Porto to Viana do Castelo and the northern Portuguese border, and A4, which goes eastwards from the city towards Vila Real. The IC29 connects Porto to the neighbouring city of Gondomar.

The city is also served by 2 ring highways, the A41 which is the outer ring, and VCI/IC23 or A20 which connects all the main places inside the city.

The A20/VCI, A28, A29 and A41 are all free highways at the moment, but there are plans to install tolls in the the latter three, sometime in the future.

Generally speaking, the traffic is usually chaotic and very intense, especially during rush hours.

There are many companies providing direct bus trips from major European countries and also for most of the northern cities of the country. Try Rodonorte for timetables.

From Galicia, ALSA runs up to three non-stop services from Santiago de Compostela (11:10 to 14:15, €31), picking up at Vigo along the way at 12:30. Alternatively, AUTNA runs regular services (reduced schedule on weekends) from Vigo.

There is a cargo and recreational harbour called Leixões in the neighboring city of Matosinhos. Modest-sized cruise ships can dock just outside a drawbridge to the inner harbour. Beneath the south approach to the bridge is a station for the light rail system (see "By Metro" below) that goes to Oporto.

Since 2011 the Port of Leixões can receive Cruise ships because of its new passenger's terminal. (more info here)

There is also a very small recreational harbour in the river Douro. As far as a major method of getting to the city, however, sea transport is not really feasible. However, you can use tour boats based along the river (especially in Oporto) to go up the Douro River, one of the most scenic short trips you'll ever make.

Since 2012 you can also find the new marina in Vila Nova de Gaia (south side of the river)that has smaller and recreational boats.

Porto, like most Portuguese cities, is a nightmare to drive in. Roads vary in conditions - from fully paved to cobbled lanes that can make even the most shortest of distance seem like a go-kart rally. With that said, keep in mind that the touristic part of the city (the Ribeira and Baixa) are a never ending maze of narrow streets, short tempered drivers and snakelike alleys. Better to walk (despite the fact that it's very hilly). Also, drivers seem to have forgotten how to drive (apart from pushing the pedals) - therefore, they make their own rules of the road (however, this generally does not apply to young drivers). Be prepared to lose your patience several times whilst driving.

Porto Metro[1] is an incredibly advanced, state of the art light rail / subway system. Developed in 2001 (for the Porto2001 - European Capital of Culture), the metro is still under construction. It has six lines, that run across the centre of Porto, and out to some suburban areas. It is quick, and probably the most efficient way to get around Porto. Some major areas of the city, however, are not that well served by the metro, although new lines are planned and should start being built soon.

Tickets must be purchased beforehand. They can be bought at the machines in the station (note: if there are no tickets in the machine that day, take the metro to the next station and buy it there!). The ticket is printed on a card called "Andante", and you can purchase as many rides (or travels) as you want, in the zone you are staying in (Porto and surrounding area Z2. Matosinhos Z3. Airport Z4). One trip will take you anywhere in your zone, and you can travel as many times as you want within one hour. If you plan on using it again, Do Not throw away the card! The card can be re-charged (the card itself costs around €0.50). You can also buy daily passes, which is more convenient.

If you plan on living in Porto, or staying for more than three weeks, it is recommended you get the "Andante Gold". The card costs €5, and will allow unlimited travel, without a time limit. However, the zoning system is a lot different in the "Gold" version then in the "Blue version". There are around 11 zones in Andante Gold (C1, C2, S11, etc.) The centre is C1. When you buy the card, you must purchase another zone (C1 is automatically included). The Andante Gold can be used on all metro lines, the funicular and all buses . When you are buying the Andante Gold, you must have a picture of yourself (your passport photo will do. They can amplify the image from the passport to the card in seconds).

An important note: your andante must be validated before you enter the metro, bus or funicular. There are no barriers to stop you at the metro, but the Metro police enter the cars and check your Andante to make sure you have validated it, and are travelling within your zones.

STCP is the best way to move around if you don't want to waste money on taxis. It's the public bus operator in the region, and the only one operating inside city borders. Suburbs are served either by STCP or private companies. STCP buses are the largest eco-friendly fleet in Europe, modern, comfortable, and lines cover the entire city, as well as major suburbs.

Bus colours are white and blue. Line numbers are a 3-digit code. First digit is assigned according to the destination zone (2-west porto, 3-north porto, 4-east porto, 5-matosinhos, 6-maia, 7-valongo, 8-gondomar, 9-vila nova de gaia). For example, line nr. 906 has its destination in vila nova de gaia (9).

You can use two kind of tickets: Andante (see "Metro" above) or STCP own tickets. Andante tickets are recommended: you can also use them on metro and suburban trains, plus they're easier to buy and recharge on any metro station or newspaper seller with "payshop" symbol. Andante blue card costs 0.50€ and can be charged with how many journeys you like.
Every bus stop has at least a timetable and lines served. There's also a code so you can get a (paid) SMS showing minutes left to next arrivals updated in real time. The busiest ones have electronic displays with timetables and city maps. Every bus inside has a display showing the name of next stop, so it's easy to keep track of them.
STCP route 500 [2] is one of the most scenic bus routes crossing Ribeira 's main museums and sights and continuing along the river and then the Atlantic towards Matosinhos
STCP' also possesses a fleet of old trams of which three are still in operation mainly for touristic purposes. Route 1 [3] runs along the river from Ribeira to Foz while routes 18 [4] and 22 [5] cross the city center's main sights.

A fast way of getting around the city, although traffic congestions near the city centre might be a problem. However, be expected to pay a high price for these services, especially compared to the other public transportations such as bus and subway.

There are ferry boats that connect Porto to the neighbouring city of Vila Nova de Gaia, although you can easily walk or travel by car, metro or bus to the other side. Also the are numerous tourist boats which travel up the Douro river, where you can get fantastic views of the green landscape the region has to offer.

Not exactly a public transportation, but its a wonderful way to see the city from above. Near the Douro there is a heliport with a helicopter available for people to use to get to know the city as a whole. Travelling accompanied will make the flight cheaper.

This is a cable railway system. Use this if you don't wish to walk up the steep streets of Porto. This system connects the Ribeira to the Batalha square, in the city centre, it also has a panoramic view of the River Duoro. As of August 2013&, a single trip cost €2. However, if your Andante card (see "Metro" above) has been recently validated (in less then one hour), that you can ride it for free

The first place to begin with is the Ribeira, the part of the city near the river, which is also a good place to start visiting the World Heritage area; to the other side of the river you will see the Ribeira de Gaia, a similar area from the city of Vila Nova de Gaia (the two are only separated by the river) and where you could find the Port Wine Cellars. Next go up to the São Francisco church and the Stock Exchange palace nearby, where you can visit the most impressive Arab room in the country. The world known Modern Art museum at Serralves and the [Casa da Música] (House of Music) concert hall live in the area known as Boavista. From there you can reach the amazing ocean front drive, known as "Foz". Go back to the centre of the city and visit Mercado do Bolhão, a traditional market of fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. Next the Aliados and the City Hall and finally the 6 bridges connecting Porto to Gaia over the Douro river, many of them providing an excellent view to the river.
Porto is a mysterious city that reveals its charm to the visitor through time. Take your time, wander through the mazes and alleys of the city. Take in the old, bohemian spirit of the city. Hike through the Ribeira and Foz do Douro regions (the latter, at sunset). Porto may not be in every tourist's Iberian Peninsula itinerary, but it's well worth a visit if you want to see a city that has changed economically, but that has kept its old traditions, something that is being forgotten in Europe today.

Centro Português de Fotografia (Portuguese Photography Museum), [6], housed in a beautiful building in the centre of the city.

Mercado do Bolhão, [7]. A traditional market of fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. One of Porto's most emblematic places. Has some small restaurants available with good local dishes for a low price. Expect people to interact a lot with you, even if they don't speak any foreign language. edit

Livraria Lello,[8]", near Praça dos Leões and the Universidade do Porto. It's an old bookshop with an amazing interior and spiral staircase, where you can also have a coffee or glass of port. Voted as one of the most beautiful bookshops in Europe

Torre dos Clerigos (Clerics' Tower), [9]. One of Porto's landmarks, the view from the top is definitly worth the 240-step effort.edit

Museum of Sacred Art and Archaeology of The Higher Seminary of Oporto, Largo Dr. Pedro Vitorino, 2 (Located in the Church of St. Lawrence (known as the Cricket Church (Igreja Grilo) after the nickname of the religious order that took ownership in 1780). Beginning at the riverfront, head north on R de Mercadores and look for the Igreja Grilo signs directing you into the delightfully narrow streets that lead to the church. Best approached on foot.), ☎(+351).223.395.020. edit

Casa da Música designed to mark the festive year of 2001, in which the city of Porto was designated European Capital of Culture, Casa da Música is the first building in Portugal aimed from its conception to be exclusively dedicated to music, either in public performances, or in the field of artistic training and creation.

Casa da Música’s project was set in motion in 1999, as a result of an international architecture tender won by the project presented by Rem Koolhaas-Office for Metropolitan Architecture. Excavations began in 1999, at the old tram’s terminus station in Boavista roundabout (Rotunda da Boavista), and Casa da Musica was inaugurated in the spring of 2005, on April 15th.
Guided tour available in English at 16:00 for €5/person, kids <12 free.</see>

Fundação de Serralves (Modern Art Museum), [11]. A contemporary museum designed by the famous architect Álvaro Siza, with a huge garden/park and an Art Deco Villa. When visiting this foundation you can visit the exhibitions, relax at the park, have lunch at the restaurant, bar or tea house and explore the shops or the library.edit

Take a free walking tour with Porto Walkers, the meeting point is every day at Praça da Liberdade next to the Horse Statue of Pedro IV : tour A at 10.45 and tour B at 15.30. Just look for the red T-shirt. Contact at +351 932613890 or portowalkers@gmail.com .

Take another free walking tour with Pancho Tours, every day at 11:30 and at 16:30, starting at Praça da Liberdade, in Aliados Avenue. Just look for the orange T-shirt.

Take a cruise upriver - the cost is about €10 and takes about 50 minutes, or you may also choose a day-long cruise for a higher price. Go at least as far as Pinhão - the landscape is absolutely stunning. If you choose to do this in the summer, don't forget your factor 50 sun screen! Look for cruises picking up on the Vila Nova de Gaia side (the same as where the port caves are located), as some of them may offer discounts for cave tours or port purchases.

Take a port wine tour and visit the various wine caves! This is a must as Porto is the port wine capital. The cellars are in Vila Nova de Gaia, a 5 minute walk from Ribeira across the Douro river, and there are extremely convenient bus pick-ups from easily accessible areas to take you up the winding hills to the cellars. Tours vary in price but generally cost €3-5 and include a tasting. Most all have English speaking tours along with Spanish, Portuguese, and French. There are also quite a number of cellars offering free tastings.

Visit the Dragão Stadium, home of FC Porto. The team has a rich history, having won the World Club Championship or Intercontinental Cup twice, Champions League twice, UEFA Cup once and UEFA Supercup once - and the stadium is worth a visit on the architecture alone. If you are lucky you might get to see a game of the Champions League... also, just across from the stadium you have a large shopping centre, according to a joke built to block the wind from affecting the stadium.

If you feel creative and up to an artistic challenge, take this opportunity to participate in a workshop oriented by local artists and craftspeople. Be sure to take home, not only the memory of the moment, but also the sense of accomplishment through the work produced. Tile painting, glass fusing, gilding, seat weaving, printmaking, creative sketching.

Play an escape game at Porto Exit Games. If you love a good challenge you must go there. For 60 min you and your friends will be trapped in a room. Your goal is to get out in time!

For shopping, take a stroll around the Mercado do Bolhão which has a food market and handicrafts stores, and Santa Catarina street (highly recommended, even if only to stroll), which is near Bolhão. Cedofeita street is also a busy shopping street, as well as Boavista. Porto and the suburbs have plenty of shopping centers, including Norte Shopping, Arrábida Shopping, Parque Nascente, Gaia Shopping and Mar Shopping (the biggest IKEA group shopping in Europe). Apart from these you also have less populated shops that are smaller but still great ( Shopping Cidade do Porto, Via Catarina, etc). Almost all the shops are open every day, but are usually overcrowded during the weekends and rainy days.

Port wine, of course. This is the right place for it, in the city of Gaia, just south of the Douro river.

You can also find great deals on clothes and shoes, especially during discount seasons.

MUUDA, Rua do Rosário, 294-4050-522, (email: Info@muuda.com), [12]. "Art, food and design". This concept store offers a great variety of products signed by Portuguese designers. Fashion, objects, books, jewelery, shoes, gourmet and arts. You can have lunch at MUUDA, experience a wine or sushi workshop, learn how to make tricot, the newest painting techniques, photography... and much more.

AGUAS FURTADAS
aguasfurtadasdesign.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Águas-Furtadas-Design/110326175646263
Rua Miguel Bombarda, 285 (CCB, Loja 4)
Tel. +351 968 237 139
Looking for unique objects or original Portuguese design? This is the place for it. From a minimalist Barcelos cockerel to colorful ceramics, you won't find many of these pieces anywhere else.

CCB - CENTRO COMERCIAL BOMBARDA
ccbombarda.blogspot.com
Rua de Miguel Bombarda, 285
This is not the regular shopping mall. It's much smaller and with speciality stores related to art and fashion. Look for Portuguese design, organic cosmetics, or contemporary jewellery, and then head to the galleries down the street.

It is said that if you like to eat, you should go to Porto because it is a place where you eat well in terms of quality and amount.

The best restaurants of the city are mainly located in Matosinhos near the beach and the seaport called "Porto de Leixões".

Expect hearty meals, and if you can, try "Tripas à moda do Porto". Be aware, however, that this is a tripe dish. Citizens of Porto are called tripeiros (tripe-eaters) on account of this dish. Also try the salted codfish "Bacalhau" - in any way it is cooked - there are hundreds of different dishes with salted codfish!

Don't forget the traditional dish called "Francesinha", which literally translated means little French lady. This city is just about the only place in the world where you can find it. However, in many other northern Portuguese cities you can find a low quality version of it. Essentially it is a toast with layers of meat inside (beef, pork meat, ham...). It is covered with cheese and a spicy sauce, with the option of including french fries on top. Most importantly, this dish must be accompanied by beer and not wine. The "Francesinha" has been considered one of the 10 best sandwiches in the World.

A good tip is taking the bus or subway to Matosinhos in July, there will be the fish festival. Freshly caught fish is being served the same day at barbecues lined up in the streets just a few blocks from the main beach. You choose a fish (only whole fish) and they prepare it on the streets for you - not a fancy restaurant, but together with the local people you are eating the best tasting fish you ever had! Try a dourada, it is delicious.

Porto is dotted with thousands of different bakeries (Pão Quente) and pastry shops (Pastelarias). Apart from serving delicious (and quite inexpensive) goods, they are also equipped with a side-cafe that serves all sorts of coffees (Pingo, Meia de Leite, etc.) and sandwiches (Tosta Mista-ham and cheese toastie). Note that, unlike the other river side cafes in the city, these establishments do not have picturesque views of Porto (that's expensive, and in the end, you'd be the one paying for that bill). Instead, they attract tourists by offering good food at very cheap prices.

Most locals drink black coffee (espresso).

There is at least one fully vegetarian restaurant in Porto, Paladar da Alma (Rua de Santo Ildefonso 293/5), and some other restaurants which offer vegetarian dishes alongside non-vegetarian options, such as Capa Verde (Rua da Nossa Senhora de Fatima). Vegans may have to ask for dishes to be specially prepared for them, even in vegetarian restaurants.

Café Santiago, Rua Passos Manuel 226, Open M-Sa 08:00-23:00. Serves one of the best Francesinha sandwiches in town (according to many Porto citizens). [13]

Yuko, Corner of Rua Costa Cabral and Rua Areosa. Run by the same family that also runs O Paparico (see Splurge restaurants below). Great Francesinha sandwiches, sangria, salt cod salad, etc.

Casa da Horta-associação cultural, rua de São Francisco 12A, Open Tu-Sa 12:00-24:00. It is a cultural-environmental association, that serves vegan/vegetarian food for associatives (made from local producer's products). There you can also find biological, fair trade products, library, workshops, concerts, movie nights, local specialities, like Francesinha and more. [14]

Retiro Do Jardim (with logo of Christiana Cafes) - Campo Mártires da Pátria, 44. For 6 euros you get a homemade soup, main dish like Calamari/Cod fish/Steak with salat/beans, and a drink (soft drink, beer, wine). Staff tries hard to speak english and their Menus are in english, spanish and french, so it's not hard to make an order even if you don't know a word of portugese. Food is excellent for the price! [15]

Chien Qui Fume (Cão que fuma) - Rua do Almada 405. One of the oldest and most traditional restaurants in Porto, the food here is superb, and one serving is enough for two people. Small and quaint, with rustic decorations, it is packed to the gills (especially during the weekend), so reservations are recommended. Does not accept any credit or debit card, so take some money with you.

Centro Cultural Miguel Bombarda, Rua Miguel Bombarda. Right in the middle of the artistic centre of the city, it's a great and cheap place for lunch!

Brasa dos Leões, Praça Guilherme Gomes Fernandes. Located in the city centre, close to the Rectory, the Brasa dos Leões offers cheap meals in generous servings. Ideal for the very hungry, meat eating crowd.

Tarantino, Praça Carlos Alberto. Cheap pizzeria. Does not accept any sort of credit or debit card, so take some cash!

Zázá, Rua Ramalho Ortigão. Close to Avenida dos Aliados and City Hall, Zázá offers a nice selection of sandwiches, salads, desserts and a wide selection of gin tonics.

Conga, Rua do Bonjardim 290. Try the famous bifanas, Portuguese meat sandwiches served in a spicy sauce, with a nice, cold beer.

Nakite, R. de Breyner, 396, Porto Portugal, Open Mon-Sat 12.00-15.00, 19.00-23.00. Vegetarian restaurant and health food store. Budget menus available including vegetarian "francesinha", day dishes featuring tofu, seitan and tempeh paired nicely with goat cheese, shiitake mushrooms and other fresh ingredients. Cozy atmosphere both inside as in the back garden. Try also the special beers they might have available.

Paladar da Alma, rua de St Ildefonso, 293/295. Open Mon - Wed: 12:00 - 15:00, Thu - Sat: 12:00 - 15:00, 20:00 - 23:00. The vegetarian food is based on Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisines with influences from other parts of the world (https://www.facebook.com/paladardaalma/info). The owner is also the cook.

Âncora d'Ouro (the golden anchor), between the Cordoaria park and the Praça dos Leões.

The third oldest cafe in Porto, it is commonly known as "O Piolho" (the Louse). The cafe looks out on the street facing a faculty of the Universidade do Porto, and had been a meeting place for students since the 19th century. Plaques donated by graduating medical classes from the early 20th century onward decorate the walls. During the fascist period (1926-1974) it was a regular meeting place of "undesirables" (according to the regimes point of view), and was accordingly under regular surveillance by the secret police. On one occasion it was raided by the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) who have a post nearby, and they charged their horses into the cafe itself. It is uncertain if the place's current disorder results from this or more recent activities. Service is surly, the place isn't at all fancy, but it is usually stuffed to the gills with students. Its also quite cheap.

Casa AdãoAvenida Ramos Pinto, 252 VILA NOVA DE GAIA.

Located on the other side of the Douro river, is a restaurant that serves generous plates serving one hungry person or two who eat normal.

Tà-se Bem Largo Sampaio Bruno 25, Vila Nova de Gaia

As one of the last restaurants along the river in the Gaia area,it was a great place to stop and have a lengthy lunch before heading out to do some port tasting. With delicious and hearty selections for a good price, it is also very popular with the local crowd-- during lunch it was completely full of people who work in the area. Skip the touristy cafes and head here for a authentic experience.

O Terraço Vegan Spot, has gone to "hibernation mode" according to thei latest blog post from December 2012. On Rua Nova da Alfândega go up on Escadas do Caminho Novo just before Rua da Armenia. Open Thur-Sat 3:30pm-12am, Sun 3:30-7:30pm, closed Mon-Wed. A vegan restaurant with specialties of sandwiches, hummus and other spreads, mini pizzas, tartes, natural juices, smoothies, cakes, in-house-made fried snacks and more. Most ingredients are from local producers. From the terrace direct view of the Douro river. http://oterracoveganspot.wordpress.com/home/

Nice restaurant with excelent views over the Leça Beach. The space is very light with many windows and it has is own parking lot. The decoration varies along the year (one of the few restaurants that does that) for eg. Summer, Christmas, Halloween, Easter etc.
The employees are usually kind and funny. They care about the client. Sometimes they prank you, so don't be surprised if they simulate that are spilling coffee on you.

Casa Da FozRua Padre Luís Cabral - Porto 4150-461 PORTO

Excellent Italian restaurant. Wide variety of dishes. Extremely small, so it's best to call ahead and reserve a table.

Kyoto - Praça Guilherme Gomes Fernandes. Some of the best Japanese sushi in town. Lunch menus available during weekdays.

Marisqueira de Matosinhos - Rua Roberto Ivens, 7174450-255 Matosinhos[16] Another great restaurant; if you like shellfish this is one of the best places in Porto.

O Filipe - Avenida Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco 36-r/c 4450-110 MATOSINHOS. One of the best restaurants to eat fresh fish. Small but cozy, it can be expensive but depends on what you order. Parking is difficult to find in this area but you may park in front of the restaurant and they will take care of the car when needed (e.g. Parking Available, obstructing the road, etc).

Porto is home to port wine of course, and there are many wineries around the city where port wine is matured. Strictly speaking, port wine can only be called port wine if the grapes are grown in the Douro valley, and the wine is produced and bottled in Porto. Port wines come in many styles, with vintage port being the most expensive.

Dance clubs here always start very (very) late, around 01:00-02:00 and end about 06:00-07:30: You have a good choice to pick from:

POP Rua Padre Luis Cabral, 1090. One the best discos in the city. Consumption around €15. Open at Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays.

Twins Rua do Passeio Alegre 1000 [18]. One the best discos in the city. Consumption around 15€. Open at Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays.

Boulevard Aliados, [19]. Boulevard Aliados is a club located in the heart of Oporto’s downtown. With a great view over the Avenida dos Aliados, Boulevard is one of the best places to dance, to meet beautiful people and have amazing cocktails. Adress: Avenida dos Aliados, 62.

Industria Avenida do Brasil nº 843, Foz, [20]. "local heroes and international superstars" - going since 1987. It's open until around 6AM.

Bla-Bla A quite popular chill-out disco in the Industrial Area of Matosinhos. A more pleasing club for fans of rock and alternative pop.

Via Rápida A popular disco in the Industrial Area. The nightclub opens Fridays and Saturdays and it's always crowded. The music heard are the latest dance hits and the crowd is 20ish.

Vogue A trendy night club, with a young crowd. Usually plays commercial dance hits and hip hop /R&B. Located in the industrial area of the city. Overpriced drinks.

Act if you're in your late teens, this is the place for you. Its in the industrial area of the city, and plays all the latest worldwide hits.

Bazaar, [21]. A design bar, that is also a clothing shop and book shop. It closes around 4AM.

Estado Novo It provides to its clients a wide range of music, from the 80's hits til today's dance hits. Every Thursday is a special night for ladies, called "wild wild woman". It opens from Thursday to Saturday and minimum consumption is €15.

Passos Manuel, Rua de Passos Manuel. A dance club/bar frequented by the arty crowd, with a varied but tasteful selection of music and a warm decór.

Triplex A club that is located close to Boavista. Note that a three-storey house with a garden was transformed into a club.

HardClub Is going to be open in other place in 2007.

Maus Hábitos A very alternative bar, right in the center of the city, in front of "Coliseu".

Chic Trendy dance club in the industrial area of the city, mainly plays house music. Crowd is usually in their 20s.

Bela Cruz (currently closed) It used to be a caffee. It is at the end of Avenida da Boavista next to "Gonçalves Zarco" roundabout, know as "Castelo do Queijo" roundabout, because of the fortress next to it, by the sea. It now works as a caffe and as a restaurant with live concerts during the weekdays. On weekend nights, it is a restaurant, bar and disco. Minimal consumption is usually €10.

In the recent years Porto's bar scene has mostly moved to the city center around the "Galerias de Paris" area, close to Av. dos Aliados. Here you'll find two streets full of bars and a couple of night clubs. The area starts getting busy around 22:00 and most bars stay open until 4:00. The dance clubs (Plano B and More) stay open until morning.

Other relevant areas are:

Cais de Gaia This is a bar region in riverfront area in the neighbour city of Vila Nova de Gaia. Its a modern zone for bars and clubs, usually priced a little higher than normal bars. You have a great view of the river and the beautiful city of Porto.

Praia do Ourigo Beach bar in Foz. Has to be the bar with the best view in town. Set on stilts over the beach. Has a restaurant too.

Prioridade Located in the Ribeira region, this bar is one of the cheapest in the area. It's probably the only decent place in the whole of the Ribeira region (and probably, in the city) where you can get a large beer for only a few euros. They also serve spirits and cocktails, at very cheap prices as well. My suggestion, if you are planning a night out, is to get loaded at this bar before clubbing, since the price of drinks in the clubs can be outrageously high and you may find yourself with no taxi fare money to return to your home, hotel, hostel, etc. It's quite tricky to find, since it's tucked away in a rather isolated (but quite nice) place; it's near the D. Luis I bridge. Ask the locals, they'll know where it is.

Ribeira region This area is full of bars and pubs where you can have a pleasant time with an incredible view, before going to the bigger clubs around the city. Most bars are relatively close to each other, and in some there is no entrance fee. Usually most of these bars close c. 03:00, after which the area becomes deserted. Be sure to go either home or to a club after, because when this area becomes deserted you may feel a bit insecure.

Ryan's Irish Pub. In the Ribeira, nice cosy atmosphere and friendly bar staff. Always a good place to start

Tapas Bar 24, Travesa Do Carmo No. 24, +351 917 166616. This small bar located in an alleyway south of Rua Carmo, 100m west of the University, is one of the cheaper places in Porto to drink. Beers from €1, the bar also has small sandwiches and other tapas-style snacks. The owner, Helder, is extremely friendly. There is a laptop that customers can use to play their own music (please watch your drinks around the computer!). Popular with university students, it's a great place to meet friendly locals. If you go early in the evening it's a quiet bar to enjoy drinks, but later on students show up and turn it into a dance party. Highly recommended.

Trintaeum In the Foz area near the lighthouse, quite small, cool decoration, and cool crowd and not too pricey. Open till very late.

Triplex On the Avenida Boavista in a big old house. Fantastic garden bar which is great in the summer. There's a restaurant upstairs too.

White Hart Sports Bar. Watch live football, eat from an English and South African menu and view a gallery of signed world football memorabilia. On Rua do Breiner, just up the road from Torre dos Clérigos, along Rua do Cedofeita.

Porto is well served in terms of accommodation. You can choose from the simplest pension and guesthouse to the most exquite 5-star hotel. There are several holiday apartments and houses as well as hostels. Unfortunately the only Camping Place in town is no longer open. So the nearests are in Angeiras to the north, but with hard bus connections, and in Madalena to the south, being closer to town, there are buses going there.

Alma Porto Hostel, Rua do Bonfim, 305B (By metro exit at Campo 24 de Agosto station to Rua do Bonfim. Go up Rua do Bonfim and find us at 305B. By train exit at Campanhã station, go up Rua Pinto Bessa until the church. Turn left onto Rua do Bonfim and find us at 305B.), ☎+351 914 049 326/914 306 011 (almaportohostel@gmail.com), [23]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Small and chilled hostel with smooth colors, lounge areas and relaxed atmosphere in a house builded in the XIX century where you can also appreciate the hand made works in the high ceilings, the typical Portuguese tiles, and the beautiful camellias in the garden.edit

Oporto Sky Hostel, Rua da Lapa, 33 (One minute walking from Lapa's subway station), ☎(+351)222 017 069 (info@oportosky.com), [28]. Very comfortable hostel with a very welcoming and helpful manager, Luzia. Shared and private rooms. Free computers andWi-Fi. A few minutes from the city centre and just off Boavista, which leads to the coast. Hosts speaks perfect English and Spanish.Prices starting at €14 pp with breakfast included. edit

Residencial Marfim (AC Guest House), Rua Alvares Cabral 213 (at the end of Rua da Cedofeita turn right), (charmedaleziria@gmail.com), [32]. checkin: 15:00; checkout: 11:00. Renowned for excellent customer service and the lowest prices in Oporto. In a quiet area within easy walking distance of the historic centre (5 minutes). With rooms that can accommodate from 2 persons upto 8. Fluent English, Spanish, Portuguese, French. Some Italian, German, Bulgarian. The bathrooms may not be very clean but still ok for that price.From €12.50 per person. edit

The White Box House, Rua de Santa Catarina, 575, ☎+351 911 008 585 (house@the-white-box.pt), [34]. checkin: 13:00; checkout: 12:00. A typical Oporto house built in the early 20th century, completely renewed in order to combine the comfort of the present with the charm of the past, providing the atmosphere for a perfect stay. More info: www.the-white-box.pt€25. edit

Wine Hostel, 52 Campo dos Martires da Patria, ☎222013167. Very centrally located. Clean rooms with ensuite showers. Very close to the train station, but may be difficult to find, so check a map before arriving.dorms from €10.€10. edit

Youth Hostel (Pousada de Juventude do Porto), Paulo da Gama Street, 551. (Reservations here: [35]). Located outside of the city centre, with several buses passing just by, opened 24 hours and a terrific view over the river. €14 to €16 per night (2006)

Albergaria Miradouro Hotel, Rua de Alegria, 598, ☎(+351)225370717, [40]. Unique and interesting. 60s decor all over, amazing views of Porto and the Douro valley, famous panoramic restaurant on the 13th floor where you can enjoy your breakfast while seeing miles and miles of the Porto region below you.Free Parking. Bathroom ensuite. Receptionists are very friendly and professional and speak English. The area it lies in is a bit run down, but definitely not as bad as many other areas of the city.From €26. edit

Flat in Porto, several locations in Porto, ☎(+351) 960121574 or (+351) 224069344 or (+351) 918340794 (info@flatinporto.com), [41]. checkin: from 7:00 - 23:00. Most apartments with Internet wi-fi, all furnished and equipped.€50-90/night per holiday apartment. Minimum stay 4 nights and up to a year.. edit

Vila Galé Porto, Av. Fernão Magalhães, nº 7 4300-190 PORTO, ☎(+351) 225 191 800 (porto@vilagale.pt), [50]. The Hotel is right in the centre of Portugal’s “Invincible City” and you can shop at Porto’s best shopping district in the lively Rua de Santa Catarina, only a few metres away from the Hotel. Online Booking.edit

Hotel Malaposta, Rua da Conceição, nº80, 4050-214, ☎(+351) 222 006 278 / 947 (reservas@hotelmalaposta.com), [51]. Four floor hotel with contemporary décor located at Oporto’s historic and shopping area, close to Camara Municipal (City Hall), at the old part of Cedofeita, designed World Heritage by UNESCO because of its wealth in monuments and innumerous historical ruins. Online Booking.edit

Be aware that there may be pickpockets in heavily crowded areas and on public buses and trains; however, pickpocketing is not common in Porto. Travelling by bus or metro is generally safe and one of the best ways to go from a place to another.

Porto is generally a safe place to be if you take normal precautions like walking in well-illuminated streets at night.
One part of Porto, near the Tourist Information Office between the cathedral and the steps to the small church, often has drunk people that could possibly be trouble. There's no reason for alarm because many of them are inoffensive, but it is best to use some caution, as you would elsewhere.

If you take the main road from the bus station to the cathedral and tourist information center, walk back to the bus station after you're done and then walk from there to the other sites. Avoid the shortcut from the tourist information center downstairs because near there have been many incidents there.

During the summer, try one of the many quality beaches located near Porto, in the southern part of Gaia . Gaia has plenty of beaches with blue flags (Miramar, Aguda, Granja), a certification of the quality of the beach. Espinho is also a renowned beach destination.

If you'd like to try some of the bars of Oporto, there is a quite interesting route you can take from Ancora de Ouro, passing by Gestos (this bar has been closed). Then you can go to Pinguim, a bit down the street, and finish off with the huge variety of pubs and bars in the Ribeira.

Dining by the river in Cais de Gaia in one of the many restaurants available. The offer goes from Portuguese, modern food, Indian, Brazilian...

Then go on to the other side of the river and enjoy some of the typical bars and discos from Porto in Ribeira.

And if you're really in a party mood, finish your night in one of the many clubs the city has to offer, most are located in the Industrial region and in the upmarket Foz area, or just visit some in the neighboring cities of Matosinhos, Vila do Conde, Espinho (beach and casino), Maia, Penafiel, Amarante, Povoa de Varzim (beach and casino).

Don't forget to go on a fantastic boat trip up the Douro river, you'll be fascinated by the magnificent view. This area is certified by the UNESCO.

Visit the futuristically designed Photo Voltaic Array buildings in Matosinhos.

Go on a day trip to the Minho region. Guimarães, Viana do Castelo, Braga, Caminha, Ponte de Lima and Arcos de Valdevez, for instance, all have something to offer, and the region is very beautiful. Taste the "Vinho Verde", freely translated as "Green Wine" - this is mostly a low alcoholic grade, young and fresh kind of wine, that you won't find anywhere else.

Go on a day trip to the Gerês National Park. The wildlife and nature in this park are really worth a visit, and the scenario is magnificent.

Go on a day trip to the Douro Valley, a region with a unique scenery, a place of traditions and heritage, known for its Port wine production.

Go on a Douro River Cruise from Porto into the heart of the Douro Wine Region, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!